A worldwide roundup of the barley crop reports and supply signals that most affect malting barley quality, trade and price — read through what they mean for growers, maltsters and buyers, with a South American lens.
July 2026 marks a milestone for e-MaltingBarley: our first worldwide crop-report roundup. This month we begin tracking barley supply signals directly from the field across 10 major origins — Argentina's Bolsa de Cereales, FranceAgriMer, the FAO country briefs for Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan, and the American Malting Barley Association. Together they sketch the emerging shape of the 2025/26 barley balance and what it means for maltsters and buyers. Explore the full picture on the new interactive crop-reports map, now showing production area and volume for every origin.
#1 · Crop Reports · High
The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange (Bolsa de Cereales) publishes weekly and seasonal production estimates for Argentine barley crops, including area sown, expected yields, and final harvest volumes. Updated throughout the season from October to February, these estimates are the primary official reference for Argentine barley supply forecasting.
South America angle: Argentina is the largest Southern Hemisphere exporter of malting barley, supplying primarily Brazil, Chile, and Europe. Bolsa de Cereales estimates are the earliest and most cited figures shaping regional supply expectations before each Southern Hemisphere harvest (January–March).
#2 · Crop Reports · Medium
The USDA reports a 6% increase in US barley acreage, with Montana seeing a 10% rise. Barley stocks have decreased by 4% from last year, with on-farm stocks up 12% and off-farm stocks down 12%. The harvested area is forecast to be up 6% from 2025. These changes may impact the malting barley industry's supply and demand dynamics.
South America angle: No direct impact on South American malting barley markets expected.
#3 · Crop Reports · Medium
FranceAgriMer's report provides regional grain production data and harvest estimates for barley in France. The analysis offers market insights, helping industry stakeholders make informed decisions. This information is crucial for malting barley suppliers and buyers to understand the French market's dynamics.
South America angle: French barley market trends may influence global prices, affecting South American suppliers.
Read together, these origins point to a barley balance that is adequate but not loose. Russia — the world's largest producer at roughly 21 Mt — is planting below average; Ukraine remains constrained; and Kazakhstan is quietly emerging as an exporter to watch. In the West, France anchors European malting supply while US acreage edges higher. In the Southern Hemisphere, all eyes turn to Argentina, whose new-crop estimates will set the tone for regional trade from January.
For Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Chile the message is one of opportunity. A tighter Northern Hemisphere balance — Russian and Ukrainian output easing — tends to firm global prices just as the Southern Hemisphere heads into its own growing season. Argentine growers who protect quality (low protein, sound germination, DON control) are best placed to capture premiums, while buyers in Brazil and Chile will watch Bolsa de Cereales estimates closely for early supply signals.